"Every child is an individual with a different growth rate and a varied and vast potential. We respect the talent hidden within each child and their potential to become Kings of their Trade or Saviours of the World to come." 

― Natasa Pantovic Nuit, Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents 

Abhijit Parmar Vijaybhai is one of the most talented students at Raipura Primary School. Abhijit is studying in 8th standard and has a knack for creating unique electronic devices. His creativity and love for electronics have made him famous in school. He says, "I take a lot of interest in studying science. It is my favourite subject. I love to play with electrical equipment. Every year, I take part in the annual science exhibition. I try to create gadgets that can solve daily life problems. For this, I use parts from the broken devices my friends gave me." 

"Last year, one of my friends and I made a motion-based alarm." He explains, "Whenever we switch on the motor to fill the water tank, the problem is switching it off. Someone has to keep on checking at regular intervals. Still, the tank overflows most of the time, leading to water wastage. So, to overcome this challenge, we built this device. We keep the alarm outside the tank and attach one end of the wire to the device inside the tank. After closing the lid, we wait for the water level to rise. The device plays the alarm when water touches the wire and alerts everyone about the water tank being full." 

"Our idea and invention were praised, but we didn't win the competition," he says with a hint of pride and disappointment reflecting in his eyes. He continues, "We will try again next year. This time, we will focus on solving a bigger challenge. Plus, it is science, my favourite subject. I cannot give up just because I lost one competition. And I don't limit myself to developing gadgets for a competition. I keep on experimenting with electrical equipment at home, too. Recently, I created a mini motorboat using a bottle and motor from a broken remote-controlled car. My sister loves playing with it." 

Abhijit's love for electronics and science resonates with his aspiration. He says, "My goal is to become an electrical engineer. It is my father's dream. I am just trying to fulfil it." Abhijit says about his family, "I live close to school with my parents and a younger sister. My father, Vijaybhai, works as a gardener. And my mother, Alkaben, is a homemaker. Both my sister and I study in the same school. Her name is Devangi. She is studying in 2nd standard." 

While Abhijit aspires to become an electrical engineer, he knows that it is going to be an arduous journey owing to his family's financial situation. The family struggles to make ends meet. Both children are at a growing stage and need proper nutrition. Because of Akshaya Patra, they don't need to worry any more. Both the siblings receive hot, tasty and nutritious meals at school daily. Speaking of the meals, Abhijit says, "My sister and I love the food served in school by Akshaya Patra. It is tasty, and there are different things every day. I cherish dal-rice the most." 

Abhijit and Devangi are among the 2.1 million children benefiting from Akshaya Patra's school feeding programme. It is an effort to implement PM POSHAN Abhiyaan across the government schools in India. Akshaya Patra's mid-day meal programme aligns with the UN's sustainability development goals (SDG-1 and SDG-4), eradicating poverty and providing quality education. It helps children like Abhijit and Devangi to stay healthy and focus on achieving their aspirations.